Fans of the Detroit Lions are reveling in the team’s current rating at the top of the NFC North after a shaky 21-19 victory over the Chicago Bears (5-4) at Soldier Field on Sunday.

Oakland County residents and social media users gave their insight and reactions to the Lions’ progress — and how they’ll stand up against their competition later in the season.

For the most part, reactions to the Lions’ current standing was optimistic, yet expectations are being kept realistic.

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“I’m all for Detroit,” said Rochester resident Bella B. “It’s good for the city, it’s great for morale. This place needs it.”

“I always expect the worst but hope for the best so I don’t get disappointed every year,” she added. “Every time we get excited we always get disappointed, unfortunately. I mean it’s a great team and they keep trying.”

“I think they’re playing pretty solid football, the best they’ve played in years,” said John Wilbur, who did not disclose his city of residence. “I think they’ll make the playoffs; they’ve got a favorable schedule left and of course you’re always holding your breath with the Lions due to their history, but things look pretty good right now.”

Wilbur said the Lions could face some challenges down the road depending on how quickly another team’s injured quarterback recovers.

“Green Bay would be (a challenge) if (Aaron) Rodgers wasn’t hurt but he is so we’ll see when he comes back,” he said regarding teams left on the schedule that might give Detroit some grief.

“Buccaneers are no competition for anybody. In their division, it’s probably Green Bay. We’ll just see what happens with Rodgers.”

“I’m enjoying watching them,” said Rochester Hills resident Mike Del Rose. “I think they’ll be all right; I think Green Bay will be as tough as it always is. They did good in Chicago, so it was fun watching that. There’ve been some exciting games.”

Social media users were pretty cautious, if not a bit more snarky, with their expectations leading up to the playoffs.

Some users believed that the team’s improvement relies on investing in proper talent and refining discipline.

“So far, luck has been on their side,” said Dave “Big Daddy” Parchertt. “Will it last, who knows? But it is really only luck so far. They have too many problems on the defensive secondary and offensive line. They give up too many points. The last few years they were losing by a field goal or so and this year they have won most by a field goal or so. They will never be a contender for a Super Bowl victory if they continue not to put money in the team and get good players in more positions.”

Joshua Bennett said: “First place by default. (The) organization and especially the coach is undisciplined.”

The Detroit Lions will go on to face the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, Nov. 17 at Heinz Field followed by a home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 24 with a Thanksgiving match-up against Green Bay on Nov. 28.